Chereads / Age of Ancient Darkness / Chapter 2 - Chapter 1

Chapter 2 - Chapter 1

Clink!

Shliing!

Sweat stung Reign's eyes like tiny vipers, dripping down his gore sprayed face. All around him was nothing but a whirlwind of chaos and violence. His parched tongue collected the dust, which intermixed with the bitterness of iron.

Deafening blood pounded in his ears, drumming to a ferocious beat inside his skull. The sound was hardly enough to obscure the cries of men. The screams of injured beasts, and the thunder of steel striking steel. Pain from a dozen wounds hardly registered, obscured by the brutal battle.

Above the lower scent of sweat was the acidic smell of all pervasive fear. Carried from clashing bodies that howled amidst a sea of scarlet liquid. Which drained from friend and foe alike to soak a once vibrant field of yellow flowers.

Reign was in the middle of a battlefield against the Vikings. They have threatened to overthrow the King of Romania. The battle was crimson as Reign thrust his sword into one of the soldiers' stomached. Thrust deep enough, the blade went all the way through his back.

Reign retrieved his sword from the soldier's body and was ready to kill more. Pushing the dead soldier aside, he grabbed his sword as he continued his slaughter. Swinging both blades with precision. Reign moved at the speed of light, wiping out his enemies with a single blow each. His blade cutting through human flesh and bone tissues like it was a simple task.

Water droplets dripped from the end of his black hair that was in a pony at the back of his head. While his blue eyes held no sort of emotions. Finally, the crimson battle was over when Reign beheaded the leader of the Vikings.

The Romanian army cheered in victory as Reign showcased the leader's head as if it were some kind of trophy. And as the soldiers rode through the gates of Romania. Massive cheers and praises erupted from the people.

[24 hours earlier]

Reign was on his way going to the castle for a meeting, he knew had already been over.

But he couldn't stand to listen to the old men talking about improving their kingdoms. When the only thing they cared about was their own personal benefit.

But who was he to judge? He was exactly like them. Selfish

"You missed the meeting, Reign." King Eric spoke displeased as he sat down.

Eric was a handsome man, his beauty was unlike no other, with piercing sliver eyes. His long black hair cascaded down his back and a golden crown sat on top of his head. His red velvet robe adorned with golden embroideries.

"I have nothing to add." Reign spoke in a dead tone, pulling out a chair to sit as well.

"I heard the leader of the Vikings army is planning an attacked against the Kingdom." Eric said with a frowned.

"…and why is that my problem?" Reign asked with a deadpan expression, not the least bothered by the news.

"It is your job." Eric pointed out, "It comes with the title of being a Lord."

Reign only snorted to show his disapproval.

"You will gather some soldiers and stop the army. It's an order, Reign." Eric said, leaving no room for an argument, then he stood up and walked towards the door. But before leaving, he turned and shot Reign one finally look, then closed the door behind him.

***

Somewhere in the Northern side of Romania was a young girl, picking flowers from her small garden. She was wearing a pink corset dress that swept the ground. Her white hair cascaded down her back while the wind blew through her bangs. Her blue eyes twinkled as she plucked the last flower and placed it inside the basket.

"Jasmine." A middle-aged man called soon as she stepped inside the house.

"Father." Jasmine embraced him in a bone crushing hug, "I thought you wouldn't be home for another week."

Henry was a Mapmaker, and he had been in the neighboring territory on business for king Eric. He had black hair with wrinkles underneath his green eyes and wore a beard.

"Oh, how I miss you, Papa." Jasmine mumbled with her face buried in the crook of Henry's neck.

"I miss you too." Henry spoke, his face buried in his daughter's hair. "Now, why don't you go get dressed, also wear something nice." He suggested pulling away from the hug.

"Okay." Jasmine nodded, "But may I ask where are we going?"

"His Majesty, have invited us to dine with him." Henry smiled, his face filled with love.

"Okay," Jasmine nodded and turned in the direction of her room.

After both Jasmine and Henry had gotten dressed, they headed to the Castle. Where Eric awaits their presence. Jasmine wore a nude floor – length dress with her hair in a half – up, half down hairstyle. While Henry wore the three-piece suit. (Jacket, trousers, and a waistcoat). With high, round-collared white shirts, neckties, and a bowler hat.

When the carriage passed through the big pillars. Jasmine looked at the leaves and creepers that decorated the gate. The land was vast with trees and a beautiful garden, like one would imagine heaven to be.

When they entered the dinning hall. They were greeted to the sight of a long rectangular table filled with food.

"His Majesty, with your permission, I must introduce my daughter Jasmine." Henry spoke.

"His Majesty," Jasmine curtsy.

The king's gazed shifted to her, and Jasmine frozen.

The king narrowed his eyes. "Jasmine, beautiful name." His voice was smooth.

Henry chuckled, happy that the King seemed to be taken aback by her. Just then, the double doors were pushed opened and Reign entered the room.

"You're late," Eric spoke, but he only gave him a blank stare before sitting down.

"Lord Reign." Henry acknowledged his presence with a small bow, but the arrogant man only ignored him.

"Why was I asked to dine with you, Your Majesty?" Reign asked in a bored, sarcastic tone.

Eric's lips formed into a smirk, then he spoke. "I've given Henry my word that his daughter will be wedded to you."

Silence was the only thing that filled the dinning hall. Until Reign finally spoke.

"You think I will marry a Mapmaker daughter?" Reign asked with a scoffed.

"That is ludicrous! What does a girl from a middle-class family have to offer?" With that said, Reign stood to his feet and left the dinning hall, leaving Jasmine and her father stunned.